Staycation in San Diego: Beaches, Wildlife, and Whale Watching with Friends
Time flies. I’ve heard that all my life, and now that I’m in my mid-fifties, I can confirm—it only speeds up. Case in point: I blinked, and somehow it’s been over two years since we moved to San Diego.
This coastal city has long been one of my favorite places. I used to bring my daughters here for beach vacations—usually to Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, or Ocean Beach. So, when we had to relocate to California, my husband chose San Diego. “If we have to move,” he said, “let’s go where you’ll be happy.”
We arrived in March 2023 and settled near Mission Bay—so close I can see the water from our backyard, and it’s just minutes from all three of my favorite beaches.
A Beach Town Worth Calling Home
It’s a stunning area for anyone who loves the beach life. The cost of living is steep, but you know what they say: you get what you pay for.
This summer marks our third here, and it recently dawned on us—we’ve never actually spent a summer in San Diego. We were either off traveling the world or, in my case, that first year, adjusting to a new medical condition that made adventuring impossible at the time.
Summer in San Diego—For the First Time
Earlier this year, as we sipped wine and sketched out our 2025 travel plans, my husband had a brilliant idea.
“Let’s vacation in San Diego this summer.”
I loved it instantly. Picture paddle boarding with our dog Jax in Mission Bay, visiting the San Diego Zoo, museum-hopping in Balboa Park, and exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants. We’re trading long flights and hotel reservations for a staycation packed with local adventures.
This is the first post in my San Diego staycation series, and I can’t wait to take you along.
Exploring San Diego with Friends from Afar
First stop: playing tourist with our friends from Colorado, the Leers.
While it’s not technically summer yet—May Gray has passed and June Gloom has rolled in—the fun has already begun. They stayed with us at “Casa Whaldo,” our home base with a fully stocked kitchen and cozy guest room. No check-in required, and thankfully, we didn’t have to eat out for every meal—though we definitely didn’t skip the good stuff.
A Taste of Old Town and the Charm of Coronado
Day one: the guys got up at 4 a.m. (yikes!) to golf at Torrey Pines. The gals slept in, caught up over coffee, and later, all four of us headed to Old Town San Diego—famous for its colorful shops, historic park, and some of the best Mexican food in town.
We wandered through the market, grabbed lunch at Café Coyote, and picked up churros from El Mercadito for dessert. Then, we crossed the Coronado Bridge, drove along Silver Strand State Beach (quiet and almost deserted midweek), and visited the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
Somehow, Mr. Leer ended up with a keycard—which magically opened doors all over the property. We gave ourselves the grand tour, explored the gardens, the pool, and the beach, and lingered to admire sand sculptures and a beachside wedding before heading home.
San Diego Whale Watching: Dolphins, Humpbacks, and a Megapod Surprise
The next day, after a lazy morning, we all headed out to the San Diego Bay to go on a whale watching trip with Adventure Whale Watching. This was a small tour with just the four of us and captained by the energetic and knowledgeable Kyle. Our vessel? A Navy SEAL-style R.I.B. (Rigid Inflatable Boat).
We glided out of San Diego Bay, spotting sea lions piled onto big buoys like lazy sunbathers. Once we hit open ocean, the ride turned bouncy—joyfully so.
We searched far and wide for whales and dolphins for what seemed like hours. It wasn’t, but when you’re bouncing on those waves, it can feel like a lifetime. I worried our guests might be seasick or bored.
Just when I started to worry, Captain Kyle steered us south, and as if on cue, we could see hundreds of birds. As we approached, the magic happened!
Megapod of common dolphins playing with the R.I.B. / Video by Whaldo Digital Content
Dolphins. Thousands of them. We were suddenly in the middle of a megapod—common dolphins feeding, leaping, and surrounding our boat in every direction. As we entered their controlled chaos, they seemed to welcome us, some darting alongside the R.I.B., others weaving beneath it. They! Were! Everywhere!
It felt like we could reach out and touch the dolphins. Captain Kyle dropped a hydrophone into the water so we could hear them—clicks, whistles, squeaks. Even the fish they chased shimmered below us in a tight formation.
Then: humpbacks. Two of them, tail flukes high and graceful. One of them breached, and we all reacted verbally in awe. We laughed, pointed, and soaked it all in. Later, another pod and possibly the same whales joined us again. It was nonstop wonder—nothing could wipe the smiles from all of our faces.
Three hours later, we returned to shore—giddy and salt-splashed. We headed to Mitch’s Seafood along Harbor Drive, a favorite locals spot where the catch of the day is guaranteed fresh. Shrimp tacos, fish chowder, cold local brews. Pure joy.
As we all happily chatted, reliving our glorious adventure out on the water, I was thrilled when our friends, the well-traveled Leers, called it a “bucket list day.”
Beach Hopping and Birdwatching Surprises
Sea Lions basking at La Jolla Cove / Photo by Whaldo Digital Content
The following day was slower-paced. We strolled along Pacific Beach and La Jolla Cove, watching sea lions bask, the nesting terns, cormorants, and the pelicans. After a pit stop at the Life is Good store for vacation tees, we went further north to Torrey Pines State Beach, where we encountered a crowd with cameras pointed—not at the ocean, but at the cliffs.
Turns out, the crowd was watching young Peregrine Falcons. A fellow birder showed us photos of the fledglings—there were three. One had already left the nest but hadn’t gone far. He was perched at the top of the cliff, still close to the only home he’d ever known, tucked into a crevice below. I zoomed in with my phone and spotted the other two, flapping their wings and squawking—testing their bravery and waiting for their parents to return with food.
For longtime birders like my husband and me, it was an unexpected wildlife highlight.
Local Trails, Sunset Dinners & Game Night at Casa Whaldo
We capped the afternoon with a scenic hike in Torrey Pines State Park and finished the day with dinner and a sunset at OB Surf Lodge in Ocean Beach. Back home, we played board games and laughed until bedtime.
Fiesta Island Dog Beach & Final Reflections
After our friends flew out, we took Jax to Fiesta Island in Mission Bay—his favorite place to run, splash, and make new dog friends. As we walked along the shore, we reminisced about the past few days.
New sights, shared laughter, and the joy of rediscovering a city we already call home—it was the perfect start to our San Diego staycation. And there’s so much more to come.
Stay tuned.
– J.S. Whaldo
Practical Travel Notes: Exploring San Diego Like a Local
When to Go:
San Diego is one of the most visited cities in California. It is a year-round destination, but summer brings a mix of warm beach days and the local phenomenon known as May Gray and June Gloom—morning marine layers that usually burn off by midday: pack layers and sunscreen.
Hotels:
While we stayed at Casa Whaldo, visitors can find great options nearby:
San Diego Mission Bay Resort – Beachfront in Mission Bay, perfect for families, couples, and dog-friendly.
Crystal Pier Hotel & Cottages – Suites and cottages, most with kitchenettes and patios on an oceanfront pier in Pacific Beach.
OB Hotel – A modern, boutique hotel in Ocean Beach, just steps from the sand and dog friendly.
Airbnb & VRBO options abound in Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, and Point Loma for a more residential experience.
Whale Watching in San Diego:
We booked with Adventure Whale Watching – small-group tours on Navy SEAL-style R.I.B. boats. Highly recommended for a more personal and thrilling experience.
Next Level Sailing – larger group tours aboard the Yacht America. It’s a better option if you have small children or those prone to seasickness.
Restaurants:
Café Coyote in Old Town – festive atmosphere and authentic Mexican food.
El Mercadito – perfect for churros and other sweet treats.
Mitch’s Seafood – a locals’ favorite on the harbor with fresh daily catch and unbeatable views.
OB Surf Lodge – laid-back beach dining with great cocktails and sunset views over Ocean Beach.
More Things to Do:
Balboa Park – Don’t miss the museums, gardens, and walking paths.
San Diego Zoo – Iconic and worth the hype.
Coronado – Visit the historic Hotel del Coronado, explore the beaches, and bike the Silver Strand.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve – Coastal hiking trails with sweeping ocean views.
Fiesta Island Dog Beach – Off-leash beach fun for your four-legged travel buddies.
Local Tip:
Skip the rental car if you're staying central. San Diego’s beach neighborhoods are walkable, and rideshares are easy. The trolley can get you around as well. Download the Pronto app to plan your route. But if you plan to visit spots like Torrey Pines or La Jolla, a car will come in handy.
